ORGANIC INDUSTRY UNITES AGAINST FUTURE THREATS

WASHINGTON -- As organics gain in popularity, food companies increasingly view the market as a potentially lucrative niche. The growing interest will require advocates for the industry to be prepared to fight off challenges to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's organic standards, a group of experts said recently.Safeguarding the standards is critical, since any relaxing of the rules could ultimately

WASHINGTON -- As organics gain in popularity, food companies increasingly view the market as a potentially lucrative niche. The growing interest will require advocates for the industry to be prepared to fight off challenges to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's organic standards, a group of experts said recently.

Safeguarding the standards is critical, since any relaxing of the rules could ultimately lead to a loss of consumer confidence in the organic seal, they said.